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13 top musicians in politics

Musicians have been weighing in on politics for years. Here are 13 who have waded into some especially tough battles, according to ABC News.

Silversun Pickups -- This Indie rock band made headlines when it ordered Mitt Romney to stop using its hit "Panic Switch" at campaign events in August 2012. Said the group's lead singer, "We don't like the Romney campaign."

Devo -- They were a household name in the 1980s, and Devo is back in the spotlight for their new single, "Seamus," about Mitt Romney's dog. Romney admitted to strapping the dog to the roof of the car during a 1984 trip from Boston to Canada.

Megadeath -- Megadeath frontman Dave Mustaine endorsed Rick Santorum for president earlier this year, and made headlines for saying President Obama was behind the theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., and the Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin.

Kelly Clarkson -- The "American Idol" winner tweeted her support of GOP candidate Ron Paul in December 2011.

Willie Nelson -- The country crooner sold out a concert in Lorain, Ohio, in January 2012 in support of his friend, Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich. He's also spoken in favor of laws to legalize marijuana.

Hank Williams Jr. -- It's well known Williams is no fan of President Obama, but he still raised eyebrows in October 2011 when he compared the president to Adolf Hitler on "Fox and Friends."

Tom Petty -- The singer-songwriter served Rep. Michele Bachmann with a cease-and-desist letter in June 2011, ordering her to stop using his song "American Girl" at campaign events. Hillary Clinton used the song during her 2008 presidential run without complaint.

David Byrne -- The former Talking Heads frontman slammed Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for using the group's "Road to Nowhere" in a video spot for his Senate campaign. Crist was forced to apologize on YouTube as part of an out-of-court settlement.

Lee Greenwood -- A Republican Party supporter, the "God Bless the USA" singer was appointed by President George W. Bush to the National Council of the Arts for a six-year term.

Kinky Friedman -- The country singer campaigned for Texas governor in 2006, promising to "dewussify" the state. He's also voiced his support for GOP presidential candidate and current Gov. Rick Perry.

Natalie Maines and Toby Keith -- Keith slammed the Dixie Chicks singer after she said in 2004 she was ashamed of President George W. Bush's Texas roots and questioned his policies in Iraq. He went so far as to use backdrops of Maines with Saddam Hussein at his concerts.

Bruce Springsteen -- President Ronald Reagan received a sharp rebuke from Springsteen for using the Boss' hit "Born in the U.S.A." at campaign rallies in 1984. It was one of the first battles over the use of songs in political campaigns.